Clay Modelling: Through The Eyes Of two Generations!

Before one year, I never even thought that, I’ll repeat the same lines that my parents told me. “In my childhood days I had to contend with this, that and what all God knows! Now, see what all luxuries you’ve got!" I told this line for the first time to little Shreya, when I picked the readymade clay for her.

“I used to make my hands dirty with the clay we used to pick the farm fields. We had to make dolls out of that, coloured them with rice, turmeric and green leaves. Now see, you are lucky enough to have readymade and colourful clay to play with!”

Little Shreya blinked at me with uncomprehending eyes. Now, well it is time for me to instruct her on little things.

The colourful clay boxes lay unopened for almost three weeks in Shreya’s cupboard. As she explored her other toys and sent one after another to the waste basket, the clay boxes had a safe position. So, I took responsibility to show her the first steps of clay modelling.

Now, as I opened the first box, a sudden flash of memories whipped me into my childhood. -Clay modelling was a trend among the children in our neighbourhood just as painting, drawing, sculpture etc. Being the two girls to represent the woman power in our neighbourhood, I and my sister had actively participated in these interests of boys in our company.

There was one boy named Biju who was a master in these arts. He always excelled in every art mentioned above. I used to envy as ducks, houses, birds and flowers got lives in clay through his fingers. He was also a good drawer and painter too. While others also fairly managed these arts, I was the weakling among them and the prime focus for others to feel confident about their own talents.

However, there were always elders in our neighbourhood to encourage my interests. They heartily congratulated me for making a ball out of clay while I actually made a human head or making a tray which I intended to become a flower etc. Soon, I realized these realms of arts are so sour and kept myself away from these. I became a good critic of these art forms in this process. -

Now, I found it time to try my hands at clay modelling again, to bring Shreya’s interest in this art. I really hoped that time must have ameliorated my skills. The model took form in violet and pink clay. I gave the final touches with the orange clay and showed the finished art form to Shreya.

Shreya was truly thrilled. She well-liked my art and clapped in appreciation while yelling ‘Kaakkaa”(Crow). “Hmmm... Not bad” I thought of myself! Even when two generations analyze my skill at clay modelling there is no change! I had intended to may make human figure and at least it turned out to be a bird for Shreya. I am happy.

P.S: As Shreya comes of age, I’ll definitely send her a good tutor to try her hands at clay modelling. If she turns out be like me, no worries! Then, daughters may not be like theirs mothers too....